Psychotherapy Services Offered by Paula Kettula, LCSW

My focus in psychotherapy  is the entire person from a mind-body-spirit-soul perspective. 

I believe that in order to get relief from psychological problems, we have to pay attention to the whole being that we are - It is absolutely vital to our wellbeing that we pay attention to our soul!

My approach to psychotherapy is based on the deep belief and conviction that behind the pain and suffering we experience in our lives is a higher meaning or a purpose that needs to be discovered. 

It is a realization that our difficulties in life do not exists because of some meaningless or cruel cosmic joke or because “there is something wrong with me”, but for us to recognize that there is a part in us that is always whole, protected and can never be broken. 

"One of the most important goals of my work is to remind my clients that we are more than we think we are; we are soul-like, spiritual beings with light within us that can never be extinguished by anyone or anything!"

The journey of therapy is about finding this lost light that has the potential to transcend pain and suffering which belong to this earthly life. 

Viewed this way, the symptoms of despair, sadness, anger, grief and anxieties, or the acting out behavior in children don’t exist because the person is flawed, but are the soul’s way of communicating to us about what needs to be paid attention to. 

Negative or traumatic experiences in our  childhood ends up shaping the view of who we are. Our parents or others around us may send us negative messages that we unconsciously take in and start to believe them.  

A negative story line begins to develop about ourselves as we may grow up thinking that “I am not good enough”, or “I am unlovable”.

Feelings of worthlessness and shame develop as a result of hurtful or abusive behavior of others (often from the ones we love) that may send us ever deeper into self-hatred, anxiety, anger or depression.

We may retreat from others, have issues with intimacy, we may want to isolate and think we are worthless or struggle with addictions. 

Common issues are also out-of-control anger or up and down moods that make us feel as we are constantly in the middle of a storm. We may also feel that the world is against us, and that things are unfair and we carry this deep-rooted hurt in our hearts. 

"In the very pain and suffering we usually try to avoid is a kernel of healing"

"I work with people to help them see their problems and emotional pain as something that can guide and restore rather than something that needs to be hated with one’s whole being or eradicated at all cost."

Each individual, be it adult or child, has the capacity to learn to see this. 

My role as a therapist is to provide a safe, nurturing, trusting, and accepting space for a person to explore their life experiences and inner terrain; to help them learn to trust and accept themselves once more and to help them cope with the multiple difficult demands of life.

Everything said above provides a background for all that I do in therapy no matter what the intervention or method we are using at the time, may it be EMDR, cognitive-behavioral, relaxation or guided visualization, learning to manage day-to-day life, skill building, or psychoeducation. 

I offer individual therapy for children, teens and adults, couples therapy as well as family therapy.  

After graduating in 2007 Veronica worked as a clinician in several county mental health clinics facilitating partial day treatment groups, dual diagnosis programs, and acted as a crisis clinician. 

She continues to work as an outpatient primary therapist at Sharp Mesa Vista since 2011 and an individual and group supervisor for pre-licensed clinicians.  

In 2017, she received the Jim and Sally Haugh Spirit of Caring Award for excellence in clinical care. 

“As your therapist I practice a holistic approach and feel that a mind and body connection is the first place to start in your wellness journey. By applying traditional cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy approaches we can address more challenging acute issues that are not allowing you to live a meaningful life.”

Veronica specializes in treating children, adults and seniors, couples, and families. She offers individual psychotherapy, couples therapy and family therapy. 

She treats depression, anxiety, and mood disorders and has a special focus with grief/loss, life transitions, trauma/PTSD, personality disorders, and substance abuse. 

Veronica is a native San Diegan. When she is not working she is practicing yoga, weightlifting, and spending time with her husband and playing with her very active (i.e. non stop) two boys and her very patient and understanding dog Ryder. 

Jewell is a Psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience in mental health.  As a second generation Filipina-American, she provides psychotherapy and psychoeducation to families incorporating multiple perspectives on racial and and cultural diversity.    

Jewell conveys a nurturing presence and believes the key element to successful therapy is the quality of relationship between client and therapist.  She firmly believes the seeds of trust, mutual respect, and unconditional positive regard are the foundation of effective and satisfying therapy. 

She is passionate about her work with older adults whereupon she ensures clients have self determination, compassion and respect.  

In her work within the perinatal community and the Bridges Maternal Child Health Network, she is dedicated to identifying mothers and families in need of emotional support and community resources.   

 She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of California at Santa Cruz and her Master of Social Work from San Diego State University. 

Her areas of specialty include Perinatal Loss,  Infertility,  Anxiety,  Depression, Grief and Loss, Trauma, PTSD, Career Transitions, Postpartum Depression, Aging, Cancer, End of Life. 

Jewell offers individual psychotherapy services to youth and adults, couples therapy and family therapy.  

Jewell is also a field Instructor for MSW Interns with Cal State University, Long Beach.   

Craig is a graduate of Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria. 

Craig works closely with clinical depression, bipolarism, psychotic behaviors and disorders, substance abuse, physical and verbal aggression, and personality disorders.   

His knowledge and experience with crisis stabilization and depth psychotherapy helps to manage mental health care at all levels of attunement. 

His therapeutic approach is client-centered, and he is proficient at working with men’s issues and family and marriage counseling.

Psychology and the exploration of psychology through mythology, metaphor, and imagery have always been a part of Craig's life. At an early age, he enjoyed reading fairy tales to find meaning in life through archetypal patterns and personifications that exist within the psyche. Later, Craig discovered how mythology examines these archetypal patterns in a very deeply rooted and more meaningful way.

After attending a depth-oriented graduate program at the Pacifica Graduate Institute, Craig became oriented to Jungian psychotherapy and the different components of the psyche; The persona, the nature of the complex, archetypes, anima/animus, active imagination, dream analysis, and the individuation process are all components that I enjoy working on with clients.

What should someone know about working with Craig?

Depth-oriented psychotherapy understands that we as human beings are made up of both a conscious and an unconscious component; it is the unconscious component of the self that can help with one’s understanding and meaning in life. 

Using evidence-based modalities, Craig works together with his clients to explore how the unconscious self speaks to us in ways that balance the psyche so that individuals feel more wholesome and functional in an anxious world.

Craig helps his clients explore metaphor and symbolism in dreams and work with projective imagery to find a better balance that is unique to the individuation process. 

Progress can be measured through a healthier sense of self, a newfound sense of meaning, and a purpose in life that is tailored to the client’s deep inner needs.

Craig enjoys working with clients who are willing to explore their psyche and have a curiosity about life and its deeper meanings.

Craig offers individual psychotherapy, couples therapy  or family therapy to better navigate the difficulties that the world presents to us. 

James became interested in psychology due to his insatiable curiosity about what makes people who they are. 

James has worked in university psychiatric inpatient hospitals, private and public mental health hospitals, and outpatient clinics and engaged in consultation with nursing homes and personnel in private businesses.

He has advanced certification in rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) from the Albert Ellis Institute in NY, certification in the treatment of personality disorders, and a certification in mediation. 

What should someone know about working with James?

James initiates therapy by conducting a thorough search and evaluation of all aspects of an individual's life. He collaborates with his client to determine the nature of the problem and comes up with a treatment plan that will address the presenting issues and how it can be resolved with tangible goals and objectives. 

James will also discuss a safety plan that addresses any safety or security issues present. 

Homework is essential for therapeutic progress and will be assigned as needed and appropriate. 

Besides REBT, James uses cognitive behavioral approach and other best practices to help mitigate emotional and behavioral stress. He incorporates the latest methods and discoveries from the frontiers of brain science, quantum mechanics as well as acknowledges the importance of faith and spirituality as integral part of psychotherapy.   

James offers individual psychotherapy for adults as well as couples therapy . 

Logan specializes in treating depression and anxiety, adjustment, grief and loss, life transitions, and families struggling with cognitive impairment.

Logan envisioned himself as a clinician from an early age. He became interested in psychotherapy after experiencing the positive impact of therapy firsthand when he was a child.

Logan  has worked in both outpatient community clinics and in private practice setting with clients of all ages and challenges.

What should someone know about working with Logan?

In your first meeting, Logan will go over why you are seeking therapy and what are your goals for treatment.  Logan believes that a genuine relationship based on trust and safety is vital for your success and that  with that foundation and the right therapeutic approach based upon your specific needs anything is possible.

Logan  utilizes many different therapeutic orientations to meet the needs of the individual. 

These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy (SFBT), psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapy, mindfulness, and family systems theory.

Logan utilizes many different psychotherapy  orientations to meet the needs of the individual. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Family Systems Theory.

Logan offers individual psychotherapy to adults as well as couples therapy. 

Robin specializes in a love-from-the-inside-out objective. She will help you find healing and clarity in your depression, anxiety, relationship issues, feelings of disconnection, low self-esteem, personal growth, past trauma, life transitions, and stress that make up our lives. 

Robin recognizes that we all go through periods of struggle, and that sometimes we need a guide to help reflect the light that’s inside us, shine through the murky darkness that clouds us.

She feels that by having the courage to be vulnerable allows for remarkable healing on an individual and relational level.

Robin feels her years of education and experience allow her to assist clients in an intuitive way. Her genuine warmth and empathy naturally allow people to feel comfortable sharing their feelings in a safe and non-judgmental space. 

As a client’s guide, she works to uncover what is at the root of their struggles by using a holistic, multi-modality approach that uses the client’s strengths to create a customized plan.

Robin works with adults, individuals/couples, and adolescents 14 and up. 

She is also LGBTQIA+/alternate lifestyle affirming.

Robin is originally from the Northwest and came to San Diego in search of sun in 2005. Robin sought to be a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist after being on her own healing journey of self-discovery since her early twenties. 

In addition, she is trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. 

Having a creative mind and an exploratory spirit shapes how she works with clients. 

She is passionate about assisting people through their own journey to heal and live a more joyous and authentic life.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to  to blossom”. ~ Anais Nin